Deutsche Telekom has announced the start of a test with 1,000 customers of its new smart speaker and digital assistant software. The smart speaker, designed to serve as a hub to connect with Telekom's smart home, TV and other online services, is on display at the IFA show in Berlin and Telekom has asked customers to apply to participate in the pilot. The company also confirmed at IFA the launch of a new mesh Wi-Fi system, the opening up of its TV service to non-internet customers and the addition of Amazon Prime Video to its TV platform.
Smart speaker launch delayed
Customers will receive the speaker free for the test, during which the company wants to gather more feedback to refine the voice-controlled digital assistant. It had originally planned to launch the speaker in the first half of 2018, but has since pushed back the plans for a commercial launch while it works more on the device.
The speaker is activated with the command 'Hallo Magenta' and can provide a range of functions, from playing music to controlling the TV box and smart home systems. It also supports hands-free calls when connecting to a Telekom phone. In addition, Telekom has integrated the Amazon Alexa digital assistant with its device, so users can opt for that system rather than Telekom's software. Amazon is already the market leader in smart speakers in Germany, where the devices are quickly gaining popularity.
The speaker can be controlled with the accompanying Hallo Magenta smartphone app. Telekom is promoting the security and privacy features of its device, which offers a button to turn off the microphone if customers don't want to use the voice controls, as well as data storage within the EU. Voice data will be stored for up to three years to help optimise the service, but can be deleted at any time by customers through the app.
New router with mesh Wi-Fi
Deutsche Telekom also confirmed the launch of a new mesh Wi-Fi system on its home routers. Customers can connect up to five devices to create a mesh network in the home, offering improved coverage and speeds through automatic optimisation of the connections.
Telekom's Speedport Smart 3 will be the first to come with the mesh technology and is available from 31 August. The router costs EUR 159.95 or can be leased for EUR 4.95 per month. Customers can add an additional Speed Home WiFi router for EUR 79.95 to extend the network, as well as a two-pack for EUR 149.90 or a three-pack for EUR 219.85.
OTT TV
In other IFA news, Deutsche Telekom confirmed that its EntertainTV service will be available as an over-the-top service, to customers who don't take broadband from the operator. The IPTV service will be delivered over iOS and Android apps, with all the same content including the company's exclusive programming, but without certain features such as time-shift, replay and restart. Further details on the offer will be released in October.
For existing EntertainTV customers, Telekom is adding access to Amazon Prime Video on its platform. Customers will have access to a wide range of new series and films through Amazon, with the new content available through the wider search function on the set-top box.
